The 2024 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs on February 24 and 25, in Glendale, Arizona. Dogs competed in three disciplines: Distance, Air Retrieve, and Hydro Dash, with a winner crowned in each category.
The competition aired on ESPN2 on April 9, and champions were announced for each discipline. In Air Retrieve, dogs competed to knock a bumper of an apparatus, which hangs at the middle of the dock’s width at the farthest distance. The rig moved out in one-foot increments and each dog had two attempts. In Distance, dogs competed for the farthest jump, which is measured from the end of the dock to the base of the dog’s tail when it breaks water. See all of the placements below!
Distance Jumping, Lap
Winner
Call Name: DD
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Susi Evans
From: Denver, Colorado
Age: 10.5 years old
Distance Jumping, Open
First Place
Call Name: Snap
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Susi Evans
From: Denver, Colorado
Age: 4.5 years old
Second Place
Call Name: Shelby
Breed: Whippet
Handler(s): Teresa and Dennis Hamilton
From: American Canyon, California
Age: 4 years old
Third Place
Call Name: Ronan
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Josh Blount
From: Spring, Texas
Age: 1.5 years old
Air Retrieve, Lap
Winner
Call Name: Little Miss
Breed: Jagtterrier
Handler(s): Joshua Flicek
From: Northfield, Minnesota
Age: 3 years old
Air Retrieve, Open
This year, two dogs tied for third place in Open Air Retrieve.
First Place
Call Name: Rogue
Breed: Whippet
Handler(s): Lindsey Manetti
From: Michigan City, Indianapolis
Age: 5 years old
Second Place
Call Name: Sounders
Breed: Whippet
Handler(s): Laurel Behnke
From: Rochester, Washington
Age: 9 years old
Third Place
Call Name: Oats
Breed: Whippet
Handler(s): John Moore
From: Maple Valley, Washington
Age: 4 years old
Third Place
Call Name: Lola
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Colette Cuadrado
From: Gig Harbor, Washington
Age: 5 years old
Get Started in Diving Dogs
If Diving Dogs seems intriguing and you have a dog that loves water, you’re already one step closer to competing yourself.
Like many dog sports, all dogs over six months, including mixed breeds, are eligible to compete in Diving Dogs (other than females in season.) Titles earned through North America Diving Dogs (NADD) will be recognized by The American Kennel Club. To apply, simply complete the Title Application.
The AKC Diving Dogs Challenge participants are making a splash! The event took place February 24-25 in Glendale, AZ. Catch all of the action on Thursday July 4 at 7:00pm ET on ESPN!